Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-06-04
Working for Self.

1t is common idea among those who
work by the day and not uncommon
among those who are employed by other
stated intervals of time, that their labors
benefit solely their employers. Acting in
accordance with this notion, it is too fire
quently the case that laborers commit
errors of grave importance. failure to
make the most of their time is often ap-
parent A want of interest in the work
not rarely characterizes the discharge OF
duty. disposition to drag the job out
to an indefinite length is also displayed.
A disregard of economy in the use of
materials is sometimes noticeable. A
lack of exactness and finish many times
renders the work incomplete. Such an
idea attended by such courses of action is
not healthful in its influences and is fur
thermore not manful. 1t leads to two
consequences both of which affect the
laborer more than the employer.
Skill is the result OF practice and faith
full endeavor. Workingmen who follow
out the above view Of their relation to
their employers deprive themselves of
acquiring that proficiency which should
be regarded as an increase of their capt.
tai And more, it degrades the standard
of labor. for the influence of such notions
is certainly negative. 1t deprives labor
ers of their positions and forces them into
those less desirable. thus creating dis
worse consequences. 1t lowers the price
of wages even for those who are better
disposed and possess more skill.
In the second place there ensues an
avoidable alienation between employer and
employee. for which the former is not
wholly responsible. Aware OF his faith
and resorts to various receptions which
compromise his honesty. He forfeits the
confidence OF his employer and views him
with distrust and suspicion. He attributes
to him motives aud designs which are
often undeserved. He regards him his
enemy and becomes the author of initiative
aggressive movements.
The great mistake lies in the laborer'
conception of his relations with his en-
ployer and of the position of his employer.
The laborng man is in fact working for
himself and those dependent upon him,
whether he drives nails, lays brick or
shovels dirt. just as much as the employer
whose pay roll embraces a thousand men.
II he has the ambition to become an en-
ployer. every step gained will demonstrate
that the higher he rises. the harder he must
work for self Viewed from this position
his conduct while under employ becomes
Just the reverse of that pursued
under the former conception. The
ability and skill which he &C.
quires. the economy and faithfulncss
which he practices, the proper disposition
which he manifests, advance him so much
further up the scale of labor and enable
him to command better wages. His
honesty and integrity and interest procure
for him the confidence of his employer and
promote him to positions of trust. And
above all. his manhood remains. He can
face any man with that open frankness
and expression of self-respect which is it.
self, his strongest recommendation.
Every successful isborer has entertained
the idea that in whatever he is engaged he
is working for self. The relations of EN-.